![[Credit: ChatGPT]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/What-did-you-miss-Topaz-Gigapixel-4x-scale.jpg?w=534&h=462&crop=1 "Last Bits"){kind=tracking}
![The best builders learn to combine both mindsets. They build like engineers but think like future mechanics. [Credit: Bill Wilson]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_0037.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Building vs. Fixing")
![[Credit: Wikimedia Commons]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/F-117_Nighthawk_Front.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "Odd and Unusual Aircraft")
![After nearly 75 years, the basic Tailwind design remains sound. [Credit: LeRoy Cook]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_4636.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "The Wittman Tailwind")
![Trimming composites gets the full PPE job. [Credit: Eric Stewart]](https://www.kitplanes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/7-2.jpg?w=265&h=198&crop=1 "A Few of My Favorite Tools")
Aero ‘lectrics
The FAA provides a wealth of user-friendly information on its web site. Jim Weir takes us on a tour of the highlights.
Wind Tunnel
Learn how wingtip vortices are generated and how wake turbulence can affect your aircraft.
Kitfox Super Sport
Marc Cook reports on the process of developing a new Lycoming O-233 engine package for the Kitfox Series 7 Super Sport and samples the result.
2012 Rotorcraft Buyer’s Guide
The 2012 Rotorcraft Buyer’s Guide includes 49 designs for those who may be interested in building a kit helicopter or gyroplane.
Editor’s Log
Editor Mary Bernard discusses the reward of simplicity that a homebuilder can find when building from plans.
What’s New
ZuluLog offers a pilot logbook for Android devices, Zenith and UL Power announce a firewall-forward kit for the CH 650, and Garmin introduces the aera 796, its new flagship portable navigator.
Idle Hands
Marc Cook reminisces about the hours of enjoyment he found working on his Glasair Sportsman.
In Case You Missed It
A New Spin on It
Experimenter of the year Andrew Angellotti offers a new BoxDAQ and updated Featherweight air data probe.
Perking up the performance of a Glasair Sportsman
Power Flow exhaust shows a measureable efficiency gain over the standard system.